Damaged Houses (Rent).

Oral Answers to Questions — Civil Defence. – in the House of Commons at on 17 July 1941.

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Photo of Mr David Kirkwood Mr David Kirkwood , Dumbarton District of Burghs

asked the Minister of Health whether he will take further action to protect tenants of houses, damaged by blast, against their land lords who, by refusing to pay the rates, even when the local authorities reduce these and by demanding full rent for un inhabitable houses, have denied to tenants the protection which Parliament has endeavoured to give to sufferers from enemy action?

Photo of Mr Ernest Brown Mr Ernest Brown , Leith

I have no reason to suppose that the practice to which my hon. Friend refers has been in any way common. I would refer him to the provisions of the Landlord and Tenant (War Damage) Amendment Bill now before Parliament.

Photo of Mr David Kirkwood Mr David Kirkwood , Dumbarton District of Burghs

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this is taking place all over the country, and particularly in London, and will he look into the matter?

Photo of Mr Ernest Brown Mr Ernest Brown , Leith

If my hon. Friend will enable me to do so by presenting me with the facts of some particular cases, I shall be glad to look into them.

Photo of Mr David Kirkwood Mr David Kirkwood , Dumbarton District of Burghs

asked the Minister of Health whether he will consider issuing, as soon as the Landlord and Tenant Bill becomes law, a leaflet explaining clearly and concisely the protection afforded to tenants whose landlords demand rent for uninhabitable houses, refuse to make proper repairs, etc., and the steps that tenants should take to obtain that protection, as, in the absence of any such explanation, many poor persons will continue to suffer injustice?

Photo of Mr Ernest Brown Mr Ernest Brown , Leith

I can assure my hon. Friend that adequate publicity will be given to the provisions of the Bill. So far as the responsibilities of local authorities under the Bill are concerned, I propose in due course to issue a Circular to them on the matter.